Scarfing machine



R. E. WIRTH SCARFING MACHINE Jul 14, 1959 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec.15, 1955 R m m V m Raymond 6 WI fh ATTORNEY July 14, 1959 R. E. WIRTHSCARFING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 15, 1955 M2 5 55 MM m ..r nI I I l l l l ll W/ a W 0 n d 1 M w w Z 1 m w 4 z 2 i 0 w 2 0 a Z2 Z 4 20 \\.Y Z 2 M m F July 14, 1959 R. E. WIRTH 2,894,545

7 SCARFING MACHINE Filed Dec; 15, 1955 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 I, I I "157- 'f'429 A27 INVENTOR )7 6 245 Raymond L: "VI/#1 ,a/VHQ ATTORNEY July 14,1959 R. E. WIRTH 2,894,545

- SCARFING MACHINE Filed Dec. 15, 1955 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 n 317 2391 24,;za" 313 3 20)L"--:i 9 -i-zza 'INVENTOR 3114 Raymond E Wl'rfh ATTORNEYJuly 14; 1959 R. E. WIRTH 2,894,545

7 v SCARFING MACHINE Filed Dec. 15; 1955 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR Palmane fV/rf/z ATTORNEY States Patent SCARFING MACHINE Raymond E. Wirth,St. Paul, Minn., assignor to Rilco Laminated Products, Ramsey County,Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Application December 15, 1955, SerialNo. 553,241

21 Claims. (Cl. 144-125) This invention relates to an improvement inmethod and apparatus for producing scarfed joints and deals particularly with an apparatus for scarfing the ends of boards suchas thoseused for making laminated beams and with the method of accomplishingthis scarfing operation.

The need for a high speed scarfing machine has been widely recognized.In a technical bulletin 1069 published by the Forest ProductsLaboratories of Madison, Wisconsin, the need for a high speed scarfingapparatus is noted. This bulletin states there are no high speedmachines on the market suitable for a low cost high volume production ofglued end joints. It is a purpose of the present invention to fulfillthis need.

Various types of scarfing machines have been produced. These machinesnormally include rotating cutters of some type which cut the board at apredetermined angle. Most such machines are extremely slow in operationand are not adaptable to varying conditions. For example, many suchmachines are capable of cutting boards of a predetermined thickness. Inmost instances, the angle of the scarf cannot be changed and cannotaccommodate boards of varying thickness. Furthermore, with most suchmachines, it is necessary for the operator to go through a predeterminedsequence of operations during the scarfing operation. The operator mustfirst place each board in position to be scarfed and operate some typeof holding mechanism to hold the board in place. He must then move theboard relative to the rotating cutters in order to produce the taperedcut. The board must then be unclamped and removed, and the apparatusreturned to its starting position. Such a procedure is time consumingand is subject to human error.

An object of the present invention resides in the provision of ascarfing machine which functions automatically to complete a scarfingoperation once the cycle has been started. When the board is in placeand operation is started, the apparatus automatically clamps the boardto a movable table, tilts the table to produce a desired angle of cut,moves the table past the rotating cutters to produce the tapered end,ti'lts the table back into its normal horizonal position, unloads thescarfed board and returns the table to its starting location. As aresult, considerable time is saved and the chance of following animproper sequence of operation is eliminated.

A feature of the present invention resides in the provision of ascarfing apparatus which cuts the board in a direction longitudinally ofthe grain. All scarfing machines in use at the present time out acrossthe grain transversely in varying degree as well as longitudinally. Itis the transverse cut of the knives that causes the damage which thepresent apparatus eliminates.

The primary purposes of the machine are several fold. One of the firstpurposes is to accurately machine a sloping scarf within allowabletolerances of laminating procedure and with resulting surface the bestpossible for producing maximum bond with adhesives and intimate contactof gluing surfaces. While somewhat a high standard to achieve, thestructure has proven to produce this result.

A second purpose of the apparatus is to machine scarf surfaces withcontrolled removal of wood by cutting chips of uniform shape and sizewhich feather out when the knife completes the cut, without the usualchip breaking and lifting action at the heavy end of the chip, such' asusually occurs in normal surfacing machines.

A third purpose of this invention is to machine scarf surfaces bycleanly cutting the wood fibres without crushing or tearing and in adirection parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board, without anydisruption of wood fibres due to knives or cutters operatingtransversely or at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the board.

A fourth purpose of the present invention lies in the provision of anapparatus to machine scarf surfaces in one operating cycle by first aroughing cut and a final surfacing with a light cut and in the properdirection to prevent compressing or otherwise damaging the wood fibres.

A fifth object of this invention is to machine scarf surfaces withoutthe necessity of first introducing fiber stress in the area to be cut byslight bending to facilitate holding the piece during the cuttingoperation.

A feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the lengthof the scarfed joint may be regulated. The angle of tilt of the table isvariable and may be easily changed between cycles of operation. Onceset, the table will tilt to the same extent during each cycle ofoperation until readjusted.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the fact that theapparatus automatically accommodates boards of various thickness. Withinpractical limits, the clamping mechanism will exert a predeterminedequal pressure on each board scarfed, regardless of board thick .ness.

An added feature of the present invention lies in the' provision ofautomatically operable board-locating stops. These stops project abovethe table level to provide shoulder means against which the board isengaged to properly position the board for the scarfing cut. The stopsauto-' matically retract once the board is clamped to the table, leavingthe forward end of the board unobstructed during the scarfing operation.until after the board has been removed from the table, at which timethey automatically project into board positioning position.

A feature of the present invention lim in the automatic tilting of thetable during the actual cutting operation, and in returning the table tohorizontal position at the completion of the cut. By this arrangement,the board may be positioned and Withdrawn while the table is horizontal.

Another advantage of the construction lies in the fact that the table ispivotally supported intermediate its ends. As the table is tilted, theforward edge elevates and the rear edge drops until the proper angle oftilt is provided. As a result, the scarf is cut in the elevated forwardend of the board as the table moves forwardly. At the completion of thecutting operation, the forward end of the table lowers until the tableis horizontal. lowers the board and table below the level of thecutters, so that the cutters are completely out of the vicinityof thetable during the remainder of the cycle.

Still another feature of this invention lies inthe aris scarfed.Resiliently supported hold down members engage the board on both sidesof the cutters as well as between the same, providing an effectivecontrol of the board as it is scarfed.

The control apparatus which provides automatic func- Patented July 14,1959 The stops remain retracted This.

ass-gses c tioning of the various operating elements in proper sequenceis also of importance in the present invention. The completion of eachstep of operation initiates the next subsequent step, eliminating thedanger of error in omitting a step or following an improper sequence.With this control, the table cannot be tilted or moveduntil the board isclamped, and the cutting operation cannot occur unless the board isclamped, the table tilted and the board positioning stops retracted.Greater safety of operation is thus effected, as well as higher speedand simplicity of operation.

In planing and surfacing boards with rotating cutters, the cutting reelsrotate in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the boardbeing surfaced. In scarfing boards using cutting reels supported on axestransverse to the longitudinal axis of the board, the natural tendencyis to gradually increase the depth of cut, working forward the featheredge of the completed scarf. In the present construction, the blunt endof the board to be scarfed is first cut, and the depth of cut graduallydecreased. This is made possible by reversing the normal direction ofrotation of the cutters, creating a forward and downward force againstthe board in place of a rearward and upward force. As a result, thecutters tend to hold the boards against the supporting table rather thanto force the board away from the table, thereby holding the board fromchattering during the cutting operation.

An added feature of the present invention lies in the fact that theentire board length may be maintained. When the cutting reels arearranged on inclined axes extending generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the board, and the scarf is formed by moving theboards laterally beneath these cutters, it is usual practice to clampthe extremity of the board being scarfed, and to saw off this clampedextremity as the scarf cut is made, thereby wasting this clamped end ofthe board. In the present arrangement, no part of the board except thatactually out off to form the scarf is wasted.

These and other objects and novel features of my invention will be moreclearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings, forming a part of the specification:

Figure l is a side elevational View of the scarfing apparatusillustrating the construction thereof.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view through the scarfing apparatus, theposition of the section being indicated by the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the cutters and cutter supportingcarriage removed from the remainder of the apparatus.

Figure 4 is a sectional view through the cutters and cutter supportingcarriages, this view also showing the built-in knife grinders andjointers which were omitted in Figure 3 in the interests of clarity.

Figure 5 is an elevational view partly in section showing the cuttersupporting carriage raising and lowering apparatus.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the center portion of the apparatusshowing the arrangement of parts therein.

Figure 7 is an end view of the board supporting table showing the mannerin which the board positioning stops are supported.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view through the table and of the clampingdevice for clamping the board or boards upon the table.

Figure 9 illustrates diagrammatically a portion of the movable table andtable supporting base illustrating the manner in which certain of thecontrols are actuated by movement of the table.

Figure 10 illustrates the wiring diagram showing the electrical circuitof the apparatus.

, Figure 11 shows diagrammatically the hydraulic circuit used incontrolling and operating of the apparatus.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal section through a portion of the apparatus.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view showing the arrangement of parts at thecompletion of the scarfing operation.

The scarfing apparatus is illustrated in general by the letter A and isshown in board receiving position in full lines in Figure 1 of thedrawings. Figure 1 illustrates the complete apparatus but omits anyshowing of the board delivery apparatus or of board removal apparatuswhich may be used in conjunction with the scarfing machine but which donot form an actual part thereof.

In general the apparatus A includes a supporting bed or frame 10 whichis shown in Figure 2 to include elongated hollow parallel beams 11 and12 which are held in proper relation by suitable transverse braces 13located at intervals throughout the lengths of the beams 11 and 12. Thehollow beams 11 and 12 support angle members 14 and 15, respectively,which are welded or otherwise affixed to the upper surfaces of the beams11 and 12. These angle members 14 and 15 support elongated tracks orways 16 and 17, respectively, which in turn slidably support the movabletable. While the particular shape of the tracks or ways 16 and 17 may beconsidered a matter of choice, the track 16 is shown as having a flatupper surface 19 while the track 17 is shown as having a tapered uppersurface which cornprises substantially an inverted V in cross section.This arrangement is provided to guide the table for longitudinalmovement and at the same time to hold the table from transversemovement.

The work supporting table includes a table base which is indicated ingeneral by the numeral 20. The table base includes a pair of opposedchannel members 21 and 22' which are connected by longitudinally spacedconnecting webs 23. Supporting flanges 24 and 25 are secured to thechannels 21 and 22 to extend longitudinally thereof and to projectoutwardly therefrom. These flanges 24 and 25 support replaceable slides26 and 27, respectively, which are connected to the flanges by boltssuch as 29 and 30.

The slide 26 is designed to rest upon the track 19 and to be supportedthereby. The slide 27 is provided with a longitudinally extendingV-shaped notch 31 in its under surface designed to fit the track 17. Inother words, the table base slides upon the base frame much in the samemanner as the tail stock of a lathe slides upon its bed.

The table base 20 is provided intermediate its ends with a pair ofupright channel members 32 extending upwardly from opposite sides of thebase in parallel opposed relation. A pair of braces 33 (Figure 1), whichare channel-shaped in cross section extending from the forward part ofthe table base 20 to each of the uprights 32 and the brace 33 is weldedor otherwise secured to these parts. A second pair of angular braces 34extend upwardly from the rear end of the table base 20 and are welded orotherwise secured to the uprights 32. The braces 33 and 34 serve to holdthe uprights 32 in upright position.

A table top assembly, indicated in general by the numeral 35, ispivotally supported between the uprights 32. The table top assembly 35comprises a generally rectangular table top 35 (Figure 2) of boilerplate or the like which is welded or otherwise secured to a generallyrectangular channel iron frame including parallel channel iron sides 37and 39. Arms 40 and 41 extend downwardly from the frame sides 37 and 39at a point intermediate the ends of the table top assembly. These arms4% and 41 support bearings 42 and 43, respectively. A channel iron brace44 (Figure l) is provided on each side of the table frame and iscentrally bent as indicated at 45 in Figure 12 of the drawings to extendabout a corresponding bearing 42 or 43. This channel brace 44 ispreferably Welded in place and forms a means of bold- 5. ing the 'arms40 and 41 in right angular relation to the table.

The ends of the table frame include channel members 46 one of which isshown in Figure 12 of the drawings. Additional cross members can beprovided if desired. Two such cross members 37 are shown in Figures 2and 12 of the drawings, these cross members not only holding theparallel channels 37 and 39 but also strengthening the arms 40 and 41.

The table is moved longitudinally of the base frame of the apparatus bymeans of the hydraulic cylinder and piston. As is illustrated in Figure12 of the drawings, an elongated cylinder 49 is supported by anglebrackets 50 secured to cross members 51 and 52 extending between thehollow beams 11 and 12 forming a part of the base frame 10. A piston ofusual type is provided in the cylinder 49 and is connected to a pistonrod 53. A plate 54 is secured to the bottom edges of the angle members21 and 22 at one 'end of the table base frame 20. The piston rod 53 isconnected to a bracket 55 secured to the under surface of this plate 54.Reciprocation of the piston within the cylinder 49 acts to move thetable longitudinally of the base frame in either direction.

As is indicated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the uprights 32 onthe table base frame 20 support at their upper ends spaced bearings 56and 57. A shaft 59 extends through the bearings 56 and 57 and throughthe bearings 42 and 43 at the lower ends of the arms 40 and 41. Thusthis shaft 59 pivotally connects the table top assembly to the tablebase.

The manner in which the table top assembly is tilted and the apparatusfor performing this operation is best illustrated in Figure 12 of thedrawings. A channel cross brace 60 connects the uprights 32 extendingupwardly from the table base 20. A mounting plate 61 is secured to thischannel member 60 intermediate the ends thereof. A bracket plate 62 isdetachably secured to the mounting plate 61 and acts to support a hingebracket 63. This hinge bracket 63 is provided with a bifurcated upperextremity 64 which is designed to accommodate a hinge pin 65 secured toone end of the hydraulic cylinder 66. The cylinder 66 contains the usualhydraulic piston and has a piston rod 67 extending from the end of thecylinder opposite that supporting the hinge plate 65. A journal 69 issecured to the extremity of the piston rod 67.

A hinge bracket 70 is secured to the under surface of each of the anglemembers 37 and 39 which form the longitudinal sides of the table topframe. Lever arms 71 are pivotally connected at 72 to a transfer shaftor aligned transverse pivots extending through the hinge bracket 70 andthrough the upper ends of the lever arms 71. A transverse shaft 73connects the lower ends of the arms 71 and extends laterally beyond thearms. Bearing rollers 74 are pivotally supported on the ends of theshaft 73.

A shaft 75 extends between the arms 71 and a point intermediate the endsthereof. This shaft 75 extends through the journal 69 on the end of thepiston rod 67. Thus reciprocation of the piston rod may act to hinge thelever arm 71 about their fixed pivots 72.

Spaced uprights 76 are mounted upon a mounting plate 77 in parallelrelation. The mounting plate 77 is detachably connected to a bearingplate '79 extending across the top of the parallel channel members 21and 22 forming a part of the table base frame 20. These uprights 76 areprovided on their inner surfaces with parallel inclined grooves 30, ortracks for accommodating the rollers 74. Thus as the lever arms 71 arepivoted in a clockwise direction, the rollers 74 roll up the tracks 80thereby causing the forward end of the table top assembly to be swungupwardly and the rear end of the table to be lowered.

Some means is provided for limiting the movement of the rollers 74 inthe tracks 80. In the particular arrangement illustrated, a cross member81 extends between the forward end of the uprights 76 and a secondcrossmember 82 slides between the uprights 76. Stops 83 are secured toopposite ends of the cross member 82 and extend in the track to limitthe movement of the rollers 74. A threaded shaft 85 which may bemanually ro tated by a hand wheel 86 extends through the cross member 81and rotates freely therein. The threaded shaft 85 is threaded into thecross member 82 so that rotation of the threaded shaft acts to move thecross member 82 toward or away from the cross member 81 therebyadjustably supporting the stops.

The forward end of the table is equipped with board positioning stopswhich properly locate the boards to the scarf. The construction of thesestops is best illustrated in Figures 7 and 12 of the drawings. Asupporting bracket having a vertical flange 87 and a horizontal flange89 at the lower end of the vertical flange forms a support for thestops. ends of this bracket. The vertical flange 87 is secured to thechannel member 46 forming the end of the table top frame. A guide block91 is bolted to the vertical flange 87 near the upper extremity thereof.This guide block 91 is provided with vertical grooves 92 in its innerface which act as guides for sliding movement of the stops 93. Thesestops 93 are elongated laterally so as to engage boards of varyingwidths. The stops 93 are bolted or otherwise secured as indicated at 94to a crosshead 95 which is mounted upon the piston rod 96 of avertically supported hydraulic cylinder 97 secured to the under surfaceof the bracket flange 89. Vertical reciprocation of the piston withinthe cylinder 97 acts to raise and lower the crosshead 95 and also thestops 93. As is indicated in Figure 12 of the drawings, the stops 93 areprovided with beveled upper ends 99 so that the stops may be retractedout of the path of movement of the cutters while the table is tiltedwith a minimum of vertical movement. It should also be noted that thetop 36 of the table is preferably provided at its forward end with areplaceable strip 100 which may be of a material considerably softerthan the remainder of the table top so as to prevent injury to thecutter blades in the event the table top is tilted to too great anextent while passing beneath the cutter blades.

A means is also provided for clamping a board or plurality of boards onthe table top during the scarfing operation. This apparatus is bestillustrated in Figures 1 and 8 of the drawing and is designated ingeneral by the numeral 101. As is indicated in Figure 8 of the drawingsthe channel member 39 forming one side of the table top frame isprovided through a part of its length with an elongated track strip 102which is held in spaced parallel relation to the base of the channelframe side by spacers 103 through which bolts 104 or other fasteningmeans extend. The clamping means 101 is provided with a verticalmounting plate 105 having slide guides 106 and 107 projecting therefromin parallel relation along its top and bottom edges respectively. Theguide 106 is provided with a groove 109 in its under surface and theguide 107 is provided with a corresponding groove 110 in its uppersurface. These grooves 109 and 110 embrace the upper and lower edges ofthe track member 102 and permit the clamping member 101 to movelongitudinally of the table to a desired location. A set screw 111 isprovided in the lower slide guide 107 to lock the clamping member in itsadjusted position.

The mounting plate 105 supports a pair of upwardly and laterally curvedsupports 112, these supports being parallel and being held in parallelrelation by the cross members 113 and 113'. The uppermost cross member113 extends longitudinally of the moving table and approximately rnidwaybetween the sides of the table. This cross member 113 supports anhydraulic cylinder 114 projecting upwardly therefrom and the piston rod115 connected to the cylinder piston extends down through the Triangularbraces 90' reinforce the.

cross member 113 and is connected to the central hub 116 of a bearingplate 117.

A generally rectangular pressure plate 119 is adjustably secured to thebearing plate 117 by bolts 12%. These bolts 120 are threaded into thepressure plate 119 and extend through apertures in bearing plate 117. Aseries of spacing washers 121 of various thicknesses encircle the bolts120 between the heads thereof and the bearing plate. These washers 121are provided with radially extending slots 122 in a side thereof so thatthe washers may be removed when the bolts 120 are loosened. Thesewashers may then be replaced between the bearing plate and the pressureplate to regulate the normal elevation of the pressure plate.

A set of spaced parallel board gripping bars are supported by thepressure plate to extend longitudinally of the table. Each bar 123 issupported by a pair of longitudinally spaced bolts 124 and springs 125encircle the bolts 124 so that the distance between the pressure barsand the plate 119 may be regulated. These bars take care of anyirregularities in board thicknesses and permit parallel boards ofdifferent thicknesses to be simultaneously clamped.

The apparatus for cutting the scarf in the boards is shown in itsrelation to the remainder of the apparatus in Figures 1 and 2 of thedrawing and is shown in more detail in Figures 3, 4, and 6 of thedrawing. The cutting reels are mounted for vertical adjustment in anupright framework indicated in general by the numeral 126 whichstraddles the frame and the table structure. The frame 126 includesopposed cornerposts including two spaced front cornerposts 127 and twospaced rear cornerposts 129. As is indicated in Figure 2 of the drawingthe structure includes a laterally extending base frame portionextending laterally from both sides of the base frame and inclinedchannel shaped braces 131 extending upwardly from the base frame 130 tothe respective co:- nerposts to further strengthen the frame. Anglemembers 132 extend between the front and rear posts 127 and 129 and alsobetween the inclined braces 131 on each side of the apparatus. Aplatform 133 is supported by the angle member 132 and 133 on each sideof the apparatus on which the operator may stand to inspect the cuttingapparatus.

Hollow beams 134 formed of two channel members in edge abutting relationextend between the cornerposts 127 and 129 on each side of theapparatus. Similar hollow beams 135 extend between the upper extremityof the cornerposts. An upwardly peaked superstructure rests upon the topof the upright frame described as is indicated in the drawing. As shownin Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, this superstructure includes agenerally rectangular frame of channel shape cross section having aparallel front and rear frame members 136 and generally right angularside channel members 137, best shown in Figure 2. Upwardly convergingframe members 139 extend upwardly from the end frame members 136 abovethe side frame members 137 to support a horizontal central frame member140. Diagonally extending angle braces 141 extend upwardly from the endchannel members 136 to the top central channel members 149 to furtherbrace these parts. The frame members 140 act to support the braces 142of gear housings 143. The two gear housings 143 support a transverseshaft 144 having a hand wheel or crank 145 at one end by means of whichthe shaft 144 may be rotated.

A vertical tubular enclosure 146 extends downwardly from the top frameportion 14b to the side channel frame members 137 to enclose the upperportions of cutter mechanism supporting bars 147 which act to supportthe cutting mechanism and to permit vertical adjustment thereof. I

' The upper ends of the rods 147 are externally threaded and these rodsare threaded into internally threaded sleeves 149 rotatably supported bysuitable thrust bearings and 151 in the gear housing 143. A worm wheel152 is keyed to the outer surface of the sleeve 149 and rotatestherewith. Worms 153 are mounted upon the transverse shaft 144 to rotatein unison therewith. Rotation of the shaft 144 acts through the worms153 to rotate the worm wheels 152 which in turn rotates the sleeves 149.Rotation of the sleeves 149 acts to raise and lower the rods 147 inunison.

As is best indicated in Figure 6 of the drawings, the cornerposts 127and 129 include vertically grooved tracks 154 which act to vertically,slidably support the cutting reel frame which is indicated in general bythe numeral 155. The grooves 156 on all of the cornerposts open inwardlytoward the longitudinal center of the apparatus. The cutting reel frameis provided with four slide guides 157 having parallel outwardlydirected flanges 159 which. are slidable in the grooves 156. Asindicated in Figure 5 of the drawings, the rods 147 extend down into theframe 155 to support this frame and are held from rotation relative tothe frame by nuts 160.

The cutter frame 155 is generally rectangular in plan having spacedparallel sides 161 and 162, a forward end 163 and a parallel rear end164. As may be seen in Figures 1 and 4 of the drawings, the sides 162are of substantial depth so as to prevent any danger of the frametilting in its vertical supports. As may be seen from Figures 2 and 4 ofthe drawings, the front and rear walls 162 and 163 have their centerportions 165 and 166 respectively, materially reduced in height so thatthe table and the boards to be scarfed may pass beneath these end walls163 and 162. In other words, during the actual cutting operation, thecutting reel frame 155 actually straddles the table and the boardssupported thereon.

While the boards to be scarfed are clamped frmly to the table during thescarfing operation, the clamp is located at some considerable distancefrom the end of the board being scarfed. Accordingly, means have beenprovided for holding the boards down against the table as they approachthe cutters and during the scarfing operation. Due to the fact that theboards may vary in thickness and due to the further fact that more thanone board may be simultaneousy scarfed the hold-down means includes aseries of laterally spaced members each of which is individually urgedagainst the boards. These hold down members are best illustrated inFigures 3 and 4 of the drawings. The series of spaced L shaped bracketsupports 167 are attached to the rear side 162 of the cutter reel frame.These brackets 167 include a vertical flange 169 having a pair ofvertically elongated slots 17% and 171 therein. tuds 172 and 173 areanchored in vertically aligned relation to project rear- Wardly from thefrarne side 162. These studs extend through the slots 17d and 171,respectively. Clamping nuts 174 are mounted upon the studs 172 and 173to clamp the brackets 167 in adjusted relation with respect to theframe. The brackets 167 also include a forwardly extending horizontalflange 175 at the upper extremity of the vertical flange. The flanges175 are provided with bifurcated extremities 176. Vertical guide sleeves177 having transverse bearings 179 near their upper extremity aresupported in the bifurcated ends 176 of the brackets by means oftransverse pivots 180. The sleeves 177 slidably support push rods 181having bifurcated clevices 182 at their lower ends. Lock nuts 183 arethreaded on the upper ends of the push rods to permit adjustment of thelength of these rods. Springs 184 encircle the push reds 181 between theclevices 182 and the lower ends of the sleeves 177.

The lower extremities of the vertical flanges 169 of the brackets 167are bifurcated as indicated at 185. Hold down arms 186 are pivotallysupported at 137 between the spaced lower end portion of the bifurcatedbracket ends 185. The clevices 182 straddle the hold down arms 186 at apoint substantially spaced from the pivot 183 and are pivotallyconnected thereto at 187.

It will be seen that the hold down arms 186 act to guide the forwardends of the boards clamped upon the movable table beneath the cutterreels and prevent any warpage of the boards from holding the forwardends thereof raised above the surface of the table during the scarfingoperation.

A pair of transverse parallel shafts 189 and 190 are supported bysuitable bearings 192 and 193 on the sides 161 and 162 of the cuttingreel frame. A platform 194 is connected to the frame side 162 to supportthe motor 195 connected by a suitable coupling 196 to the shaft 189. Asimilar platform 197 supports a motor 199 connected to the shaft 190 bya coupling 200.

Cutting reels 291 and 2112 are mounted upon the shafts 189 and 190 torotate in unison therewith. These cutting reels are provided withangularly spaced blades 203 and 204, respectively. The cutting reel 201is designed to provide a rough cut and during this cut the major portionof the wood to be removed is cut away. The second reel, 202, is designedto provide a smooth finish cut so that the scarf has a surface finishcomparable to that produced by a planer or the like.

Means are also provided to hold down the boards between the cuttingreels. The frame 155 is provided with a cross member 205 extendingparallel to the reels and between the same, the cross member beingintegral with the sides 161 and 162. The cross member 205 is providedwith a series of laterally spaced vertical apertures 206 extendingthereto for the accommodation of push rods 207. The upper ends of thepush rods 207 are threaded to accommodate lock nuts 209 to limitdownward movement of the push rods. Laterally spaced shoes 210 aremounted on the bottom ends of these push rods 287 to move vertically inconjunction therewith. The shoes 210 are provided with a transversegroove 211 in their upper surfaces, the sides of this groove embracingthe lower edge of the cross member 205 and holding the shoes fromrotation. The rear ends 212 of the shoes are preferably beveled upwardlyto a slight extent to guide any upwardly extending portion of the boarddown beneath the shoes. Springs 213 encircle the push rod 207 betweenthe upper surfaces of the shoes 210 and the bases of the counterbores214 to normally urge the shoes 210 downwardly against the surfaces beingcut.

The boards are also held down against the table after the scarfing cuthas been completed. The wall 163 of the frame 155 is provided with anintegral rearwardly projecting portion 215 which projects toward thecutting reel 202. This projection 215 is provided with a series oflaterally spaced apertures 216 thereto which are designed to extendvertically and to slidably support push rods 217. The push rods 217 arelimited in their downward movement by nuts 219 threaded on the upperends of the push rods. Shoes 220 are mounted on the lower ends of thepush rods 217, these shoes having a transverse groove 221 in their uppersurface designed to embrace the lower end of the projection 215 to keepthe shoes from turning. Springs 222 are interposed between the uppersurfaces of the shoes 220 and the bases of counter bores 223 so as tourge the shoes downwardly. The shoes 220 are shaped somewhat similarlyto the shoes 210 and are provided With beveled rear edges 224. The shoes210 and 220 may serve to some extent as chip breakers although therotation of the cutters is such as to prevent chips from splitting fromthe board.

The cutting reels 201 and 202 rotate in a clockwise direction as viewedin Figure 4. As the boards to be scarfed move inwardly from the right ofthe cutters, the direction of rotation is such as to tend to urge theboards downwardly against the table and also to assist in the forwardmovement of the board. This is a rather unique feature of the presentinvention as in planing and surfacing operations it is normal practiceto rotate the cutters "10 in a direction opposite the movement of theboard. In other words, most planing and surfacing machines rotate thecutters in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of thepresent device.

L-shaped brackets 225 are removably mounted upon the sides 161 and 162of the frame for supporting cross members 226 extending across the frameabove the cutter reels 201 and 202. These cross members 226 slidablysupport built-in knife grinder and jointer apparatus which is indicatedin general by the numeral 227. These grinding and jointing devices areemployed to sharpen the individual blade of the cutting reels while thereels are in place in the apparatus.

Cross members 229 and 230 also extend between the sides 161 and 162 ofthe frame 155 in spaced relation to the cutting reels. These crossmembers reinforce the frame and also tend to guide the chips upwardlyduring the operation of the cutting reels. A hood is also provided abovethe cutting reel frame 155 which is connected to a source of partialvacuum for withdrawing the chips during the operation of the apparatus.This hood includes a lower rectangular portion 231 (Figures 5 and 6)which is detachably connected to the upper surface of the frame 155 andwhich can be removed when the jointing and grinding means 227 are usedto sharpen the blades. Due to the fact that the knife grinders areremovable, they are shown only in Figure 4 of the drawings.

The upper hood portion 232 includes a lower rectangular portion 233 anda tapered top portion 234 leading to an outlet pipe 235 which isconnected to the source of partial vacuum. When the apparatus is inoperation, air is drawn upwardly from beneath the cutters carrying thechips through this outlet 235.

While the particular location of the control apparatus is to some extenta matter of choice, Figure 9 is designed to illustrate somewhatdiagrammatically the location of certain of these controls. The specificmanner in which the control operates will be later described in greaterdetail.

Figure 9 illustrates at 20 a part of the base frame of the table andillustrates at 10 a part of the base of the supporting frame. Numeral236 illustrates a deceleration valve which is connected in series withthe hydraulic line of the table operating cylinder 49. As the tableframe 20 moves to the left, a cam shoulder 237 engages a valve actuatingroller 238 and operates the Valve 236 in a manner to decelerate themovement thereof. As the table moves with considerable speed, the valve236 is useful in stopping the movement of the table after the scarfingout has been made.

Figure 9 also illustrates a limit switch 239 which is engaged by the cam240 at the completion of the cutting stroke of the table. This limitswitch 239 acts to a timer which will be later described in detail andwhich holds the table stationary at the end of its stroke for a timesufficient to unload the scarfed board from the table.

Figure 9 also illustrates a cam block 241 which engages a limit switch242 at the end of the return movement of the table. This acts in amanner which will be later described to raise the board locating stopsinto position to engage the forward end of the board or boards nextplaced upon the table.

This same cam 241 also engages the limit switch 243' to stop the cycleuntil it is again initiated by the operator.

wise direction by a suitable motor. When the table has assists advancedbeyond the cutters and has been tilted down into horizontal position,the board clamping means is released. The roll or rolls 245 may then beforced downwardly against the surface of the board by a hydrauliccylinder 246 or other suitable means so that the upper surface of theboard is engaged and the board is propelled forwardly until it isengaged between additional driven motors not illustrated in the drawingfor removal from the forward end of the table.

The control of the apparatus is best illustrated from an examination ofFigures and 11 of the drawings. Figure 10 illustrates the first cuttermotor 195, the second cutter motor 199, and a hydraulic pump motor 247connected in parallel to a three-phase supply line including theconductors 249, 250 and 251. Motor controlling switches 252, 253 and 254are in the circuits to these motors so that they can be controlled. Themotor switches are actuated by a starting circuit which will be laterdescribed in detail. The line wires 249 and 250 are connected to thecoil 255 of a voltage reducing transformer 256, the other coil 257 ofwhich supplies current to the line wires 259 and 260. All of the controlmechanism, with the exception of the three motors described, areconnected between these line wires.

A normally closed master switch 261 is provided in the line wire 259 sothat all of the electricity to the apparatus may be cut otf in anemergency. The line wire 259 is connected through a switch 262 to aconduct-or 2653 leading to the coil 254 of the starting switch 254 forstarting the hydraulic motor. A holding circuit by-passes the switch 262and includes a switch 262' forming a part of the starting switch 254.Thus, the circuit to the motor 247 remains closed after momentaryoperation of switch 262 until the circuit is broken by the master switch261 or by strategically located safety switches 25$. The conductor 263is also connected by a conductor 264 to a cutter motor operating switch265 which is connected by conductors 266 and 267 to the coils 252' and253' of cutter motor starting switches 252 and 253. The second terminalsof the starter switches 252, 253 and 254 are all connected to the linewire 260 through properly located safety switches 268.

A holding circuit by-passes the switch 265 to hold the starter switchcoils 252 and 253' energized. This hold ing circuit includes a switch265 which maintains the switch coils energized once the switch 265 hasbeen momentarily closed until the circuit is otherwise broken. It willbe noted that the cutter motors cannot be operated unless the hydraulicmotor is already in operation.

The line wire 259 includes a switch 259' useful in preventing operationof the various table controls out of proper sequence. This switch 259'forms a part of starting switch 253 and closes the portion of thecircuit beyond the motors when the motors are in operation.

The line wire 259 is connected through a normally open foot switch 269to a conductor 270 leading to a solenoid 271i forming a part of asolenoid controlled pilot operated four-way valve 272 (Figure 11)controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the clamp cylinder 114 andthe tilt cylinder 66. The other terminal of the solenoid 271 isconnected to the line wire 260.

The line wire 25% is also connected through a limit switch 273 in thepath of movement of the tilt cylinder piston rod 67 to a conductor 274leading to a solenoid 275 forming a part of a double acting solenoidoperated four-way valve 276 (Figure 11) controlling the flow of fluid tothe stop pin cylinder 114. This line wire 259 is also connected througha limit switch 277 to a conductor 279 connected to a normally closedtimer operated switch 280. The switch 28% leads to a conductor 281leading through a normally closed push button operated switch 282 to aconductor 283 leading to a solenoid 234 leading to a solenoid controlpilot operated four-way valve 285 (Figure 11) controlling the flow offluid to the table operating cylinder 49. The second ter- 12 minal ofthe solenoid 284 is connected to the line wire 260.

The closing of the limit switch 277 while the normally closed switches280 and 282 are closed, acts in a manner which will be later describedto advance the table beneath the cutters. A second conductor 286 leadsthrough a push buton switch 237 from the conductor 259 into the solenoid284 so that the table may be advanced by push button control rather thanautomatically when desired.

The conductor 259 is also connected through a normally open limit switch239 to a conductor 29% leading to one terminal of a solenoid 291 forminga part of the valve 272 previously described. This valve acts to untiltand unclamp the board upon the table.

As was previously described, the limit switch 239 is in the path ofmovement of the table and is closed at the completion of the cuttingstroke. The closing of this circuit also closes a circuit from conductor2% to a conductor 292 leading to a timer coil 293. Operation of thetimer coil 293 acts to cause a normally open timer operated switch 294to close and to open the previously described normally closed timeroperated switch 280 in the circuit to the solenoid 234 of the tableadvancing valve control, thus permitting the valve 285 to return toneutral position. A circuit is thus closed from line wire 259 throughconductor 295 and the normally closed limit switch 243 and through thetimer switch 294 to a conductor 2% leading to the timer coil 293, theopposite terminal of which is connected to line wire 260. A circuit isalso initiated by the closing of the timer switch 294- through conductor237 to a normally open timer control switch 299 which is closed after apredetermined period of waiting. The switch 292 is connected by aconductor 30% through a normally closed push button switch 301 to asolenoid 302 forming a part of the valve 285 controlling the flow offluid to the table operating cylinder 49. Thus, after a predeterminedperiod of time as determined by the timer, the table is retracted to itsstarting position, this movement continuing until the circuit is openedthrough the limit switch 243 in the path of movement of the table.

The push button switches 287 and 301 are connected for operation inunison. The switch Sill is designed to open any circuit to the tableretracting cylinder operating solenoid in the event the table is beingadvanced by the push button 287. The table retracting solenoid is alsoconnected by a by-pass conductor 303 to the line wire 259, thisconductor 323 including a push button switch 384. The push button 394permits actuation of the solenoid 302 manually when desired and the pushbutton 304 is connected to the previously described normally closed pushbutton 282 so that the circuit to the table advancing solenoid 284 mustbe broken when the table retracting solenoid is energized.

The momentarily closed switch 24 2 has been described as being in thepath of movement of the retracting table. As the table approaches itsstanding position, a circuit is closed from the line wire 259 throughthe switch 242 and a conductor 305 to a solenoid 3% forming a part ofthe stop pin controlling valve 276. Actuation of the solenoid 306 actsto project the pins upwardly into position to locate a board upon thetable.

The line wire 259 is also connected through a second blade 269' of thefoot switch 269 to a conductor 311 leading through relay switch 308 to asolenoid 312, the other terminal of which is connected to line wire 269.A normally closed limit switch blade 239', operable in unison with limitswitch 239, is provided in conductor 307 leading to the relay coil 309.The relay coil 3439 closes a pair of switches 398 and 363'. The switch3&8 is in parallel with the switch 26?. The switch 3438' acts to close acircuit to the solenoid 312 from line wire 259 when the relay coil 369is energized. Switch 3% also closes a holding circuit to maintain therelay coil 399 .13 energized as long as the "normally closed limitswitch 239' is closed.

When the foot switch 269, 269 is closed momentarily, the relay 309 isenergized, closing a circuit to the solenoid 312 and closing the holdingcircuit maintaining the solenoid circuit closed. When the table reachesthe end of the cutting stroke, limit switch 239 is closed and blade 239thereof is opened, breaking the relay circuit. However, a secondcircuit, from line wire 259 through limit switch 243 and conductors 310and 311, keeps this solenoid 312 energized until the completion of thereturn stroke of the table, at which time the normally closed limitswitch 243 is opened.

Energization of the solenoid 312 actuates the spring biased solenoidoperated valve 313 which acts in a manner later described to. permitfluid pumped by the hydraulic pump to by-pass back into the reservoirwithout building up the pressure necessary to operate its relief valve.

The hydraulic circuit of the apparatus is illustrated in Figure 11 ofthe drawings. The motor 247 is connected to a pump 314 through astrainer 315 from the reservoir or tank illustrated diagrammatically at316. The fluid pumped into the pressure line 317 communicates with arelief valve 319 which opens under abnormal pressures to permit the flowof fluid to the tank 316. The relief valve 319 is also connected by avent passage 320 to the valve 313. This valve 313 is normally closed butupon actuation of the solenoid 312, which occurs at the completion ofeach operating stroke and retracting stroke to open the valve, the ventline 320 is connected to the tank 316. Thus between cycles, the fluidmay be by-passed back to the tank or reservoir without operating therelief valve 319.

The fluid under pressure is connected through a check valve 321 to thedouble acting valve 272. The valve 272 includes a pilot valve 322 and amain valve 323. Movement of the pilot valve 322 is controlled by operation of the solenoids 271 and 291. Operation of the main valve 323 iscontrolled by the position of the pilot valve.

When the foot switch 269 is operated to start the operating circuit ofthe apparatus the solenoid 271 is energized moving the pilot valve 322into the position illustrated. This causes fluid under pressure toextend through the passage 324 to supply pressure to thechamber 325 atthe right of the main valve 323, thus permitting fluid under pressure toflow through the passage 326, the main valve 323 and into the conduit327 leading to the upper end of cylinder 114. This action tends to forcethe piston rod 115 downwardly, thus operating the clamping mechanismagainst the board or boards placed upon the table of the machine. Aguide 329 (Figure 8) is provided on the table top 36 for aligning theboards on the table.

Fluid from the lower end of the cylinder 114 flows through the conduit330 to a pressure controlled valve 331. This pressure may open the checkvalve 332 and flow through the conduits 333 and 334 and through the mainvalve 323 to the tank return line 335.

The line 327 is also connected to a conduit 336 leading to a pressurecontrol valve 337. While the piston rod 115 of the clamping cylinder 114is in movement, insuflicient pressure is built up in the valve 337 topermit a flow of fluid therethrough. However, when the clamping cylinderis in board clamping position, this pressure increases and flows throughthe valve 337 into the conduit 339 leading to the right hand end of thetilting cylinder 66. This fluid under pressure forces the piston rod 67to the left operating the lever arm 71 in a manner to tilt the table 36.

The fluid from the left side of cylinder 66 may flow through the line340 joining with the conduit 334 which conducts the fluid through themain valve 323 to the return line 335. During the portion of theoperation thus described, the board has been firmlyclamped against '14the table and the table has been tilted to a predetermined angle.

As the tilting movement of the table is completed, the limit switch 273which is preferably mounted upon the adjustable stop member 82 (Figure12) is operated closing a circuit to the solenoid 275 forming a part ofthe locating pin operating mechanism. Actuation of the solenoid 275 actsto move the valve element 341 of the valve 276 in to the position shownin full lines in Figure 11 from its opposite position. Accordingly,pressure from the pressure line 317 flows through a conduit 342 and thevalve element 341 to the conduit 343 leading to the upper extremity ofthe stop pin cylinder 97. This causes the stop pins to be loweredbeneath the surface of the table so as to be out of the path of movementof the cutter blades as the table is advanced.

Fluid from the lower end of the cylinder 97 is free to flow through theconduit 344, the valve element 341 and to the return line 345.

As the stop pin 93 reaches fully retracted position, the switch 277 isclosed, closing the circuit which has been described to the solenoid 284forming a part of the table movement controlling valve 285. The valve285 is somewhat similar to the pilot operated valve 272 previouslydescribed but has a central intermediate position of the valve elementas well as extreme positions thereof. In Figure 11 of the drawings, thevalve 285 is shown in its intermediate position.

Fluid from the pressure line 317 flows through the conduit 346 and intothe valve 285. When the solenoid is actuated, the pilot valve element347 moves to the left. The pressure may then pass to the valve element347 to the passage 349 leading to the pressure chamber 350 to the leftof the main Valve element 351. This forces the main valve element to theright and pressure is communicated through the main valve element 351 tothe line 352 leading to the right end of the cylinder 49.

The piston within the cylinder 49 then forces the piston rod 53 to theleft moving the table along its supporting base and moving the board tobe scarfed successively between the cutting reels and the table. Thescarf is cut in the end of the board during this movement of the table.

The fluid from the left side of the piston in cylinder 49 flows throughthe conduit 353 to the deceleration valve 236. This deceleration valve236 is provided with a valve element 354 which permits the flow of fluidthere-through without interruption. However, as the table nears the endof its stroke the valve element push rod 238' is actuated by the cam 240in a manner to shift the valve element 354 into position to restrict theflow of fluid through the valve. The movement of the table isaccordingly decelerated.

The fluid flowing from the left end of the cylinder 49 passes throughthe valve 236 and into the conduit 355 leading through the flowcontrolled valve 356. This flow control valve may be actuated torestrict the flow and so as to regulate the speed of the table movement.The fluid then flows through conduit 357, the main valve element 351,and to the return line 359.

As the table reaches the end of its cutting stroke, the limit switch 239is actuated closing a circuit to the solenoid 291. Enel'gization of thesolenoid 291 acts to urge the pilot valve element 322 to the left fromthe position shown in full lines. This acts to permit fluid to flowthrough the pilot valve element 322 to the passage 360 leading to thepressure chamber 361 at the left of the main valve element 323 andacting to shift this main valve element to the right from the positionshown in full lines in Figure 11. A fluid under pressure then flows intothe conduit 334 leading to the left end of the tilt cylinder 66. Thiscauses movement of the piston rod 67 to the right, swinging the tabledown into horizontal position. Fluid from the right end of the cylinder66 is communicated through, the conduit 339 to the Valve- 337 where itpasses by the check valve 362 and flows through the conduit 336, themain valve element 323 and to the return line 335.

When sufiicient pressure builds up due to the retraction of the pistonin cylinder 66 to operate the valve 331, a fiuid will flow through thisvalve and through the conduit 33% to the lower end of the clampingcylinder 114. This action releases the clamping force against the boardon the table. A fluid from the upper end of cylinder 114 may flowthrough the conduit 327, the main valve element 323 and to the drainline 335.

As was previously described, the closing of the limit switch 239 alsocloses a circuit to the timer coil 293. Thus after a predetermined timedelay during which the board or boards are removed from the table acircuit is closed to the solenoid 302. Energization of the solenoid 3&2acts to move the pilot valve element 347 to the right from the centerposition illustrated. This causes fluid under pressure to communicatethrough passage 363 to the pressure chamber 364 to the right of the mainvalve element 351, moving this main valve element to the left from thecentral position illustrated. In this position of the valve, fluid underpressure may flow through the conduit 357, pass the check valve 365arranged in parallel with the fluid control valve 356 through theconduit 355, pass the check valve 366 in valve 236 and into the lefthand end of cylinder 49 drawing the piston rod 53 and the table to theright towards starting position. The fluid from the right end ofcylinder 49 is free to flow through the conduit 352 and the main valveelement 351 to the return line 359.

As the table nears the completion of its return stroke, the limit switch242 is operated. A momentary closing of the switch 242 closes a circuitto the solenoid 306 forming a part of the stop pin operating valve 276.Energization of the solenoid 356 acts to move the valve element 341 tothe right from the position illustrated. As a result fluid underpressure flows from the conduit 342. through the Valve element 341 tothe conduit 34% communicatin with the lower end of cylinder 97. Thiscauses the stop pins to be raised into board locating position. Fluidfrom the upper end of the cylinder 97 can flow through the conduit 343and the valve element 341 to the return line 345.

From the foregoing description it will be clear that, when it is desiredto operate the machine to scarf a board or series of boards, it is onlynecessary to turn on the motor driving the hydraulic pump and to turn onthe cutter motors. After the board has been placed upon the tableagainst the locating stop pins, the foot switch is operated starting theapparatus in movement. The clamping cylinder is first actuated to clampthe board. As soon as the board is clamped, the table is swung into atilted position. At the completion of the tilting operation, the stoppins are located in lowered or retracted position. As soon as thisoperation is completed, the table starts into movement moving the tableand board beneath the cutters to cut the scarf in the board. As thetable finishes its stroke it is automatically tilted down into normalhorizontal position and the clamping means are released. After asuitable adjustable period delay to permit the unloading of the boardfrom the table, the return movement of the table is started. As thetable completes its stroke, the stop pins are again projected upwardlyinto board locating position. When the cycle is completed, the by-passvalve 313 is open permitting the fluid to by-pass into the reservoiruntil the start of the next cycle.

It will be noted that the cutter motors cannot operate unless thehydraulic pump is in operation but the various operations may beaccomplished while the cutter motors are stationary so that theapparatus can be properly adjusted if a special switch for this purposeis provided. Normaliy, in the system described, the cutter motors mustbe in operation before the board may be clamped, the 'stop' pins lowered'or the table may be tilted or moved. However, by providing aswitch'368 (Figure 10) in parallel with the relay actuated switch 259',cycling of the operations with the cutter motors off can be effected.When such a switch 368 is used, it is placed in such a location that itcannot well be accidentally operated to prevent danger of injury to theapparatus. It will also be noted that the table can be advanced andretracted by push button control. As a result, the table may be movedbeneath the cutters While at a desired angle of tilt to cut a scarf ofproper length and the cutters may then be adjusted vertically to properrelation with the table. As is indicated in Figure 2 of the drawings,vertical threaded rods 367 may be supported in vertical bearings 369 onthe lower cross members 134 of the frame 126 beneath the sides 161 and162 of the cutter reel frame 155. Internally threaded sleeves mayencircle these rods 367 above the bearings 369 to adjust the height ofthese rods 36.7. When the frame supporting the rotating cutters is at adesired elevation, the rods 367 are adjusted to en gage the undersurface of the frame 155 to prevent this frame from loweringaccidentally into the path of movement of the table. The rods 367 alsomake and hold the fine adjustment of height of the cutters, and maintain parallelism between the cutters and the table.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principlesof construction and operation of the scarfing apparatus, and while anendeavor has been made to set forth the best embodiment thereof, it isdesired to point out that this is only illustrative of a means ofcarrying out the invention and that obvious changes may be made withinthe scope of the following claims Without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

I claim:

1. A board scarring machine including an elongated board supportingtable, means movably supporting said table for longitudinal movement ofsaid table, a table top forming a part of said table, means tiltablysupporting said table top on a transverse horizontal axis intermediatethe ends of said table, means for tilting said table between horizontalposition and tilted position, means operable, upon actuation, to operatesaid tilting means to tilt said table and hold said table in tiltedposition, cutter means supported above the path of movement of saidtable in tilted position, means moving said tilted table beneath saidcutter heads to a terminal position in which the board is scarfed, andmeans controlling said tilting means operable by movement of said tableupon reaching said terminal position to actuate said tilting means toreturn said table to horizontal position.

2. The structure of claim 1 and including means operable by movement ofsaid table into said terminal position for actuating said table movingmeans to return said table to starting position.

3. The structure of claim 1 and including means oper able by movement ofsaid table into said terminal position for actuating said table movingmeans after a predetermined time delay to return said table to startingposition.

4. A board scarfing machine including an elongated board supportingtable, means movably supporting said table for longitudinal movement ofsaid table, atable top forming a part of said table, means tiltablysupporting said table top on a transverse horizontal axis intermediatethe ends of said table, means for tilting said table between horizontalposition and tilted position, means operable, upon actuation, to operatesaid tilting means to tilt said table and hold said table in tilted position, cutter means supported above the path of movement of said tablein tilted position, table reciprocating means connected to said table tomove the same while tilted from a starting position to a terminalposition in which the board is scarfed means controlling assassintilting means actuated by movement of said table into said terminalposition operating said table tilting means to tilt said table intohorizontal position, means controlling said table reciprocating means todwell the operation thereof in said terminal position for apredetermined time period and then to return said table to said startingposition. I

The structure of claim 4 and including 'meanfs c'ontrolling said tablereciprocating means to stop said table in said starting position. y g 6.A scarfing apparatus including an elongated board supporting table, atiltable top'on said table, the top being tiltable on a horizontal axistransversely of the longitudinal table axis, cuttermeans, meanssupporting said cutter means "above the level of said table in tiltedposition, means supporting said cutter and table for relative movementlongitudinally of the table between two extreme positions, table tiltingmeans to tilt said table between horizontal position and tiltedposition, table reciprocating means connected to said table forreciprocating said table between said two extreme positions, meanscontrolling said table tilting means to tilt said table, control meansfor said table reciprocating means actuated by the tilting of said tableinto tilted position to actuate said table reciprocating means to movesaid tilted table from one extreme position to the other, and meanscontrolling said table tilting means operable by movement of said tableinto said other extreme position to actuate said table tilting means toreturn said table to horizontal position.

7. The structure of claim 6 and including means controlling said tablereciprocating means operable by actuation of said table into said otherextreme position to reciprocate said table into said one extremeposition.

8. The structure of claim 6 and including means controlling said tablereciprocating means operable by actuation of said table into said otherextreme position to reciprocate said table into said one extremeposition, and means controlling the operation of said tablereciprocating means operable by movement of said table into said oneextreme position to stop said table in said one extreme position.

9. The structure of claim 6 and including means controlling said tablereciprocating means operable by actuation of said table into said otherextreme position to reciprocate said table into said one extremeposition after a predetermined time delay.

10. The structure of claim 6 and including means controlling said tablereciprocating means operable by actuation of said table into said otherextreme position to reciprocate said table into said one extremeposition after a predetermined time delay, and means discharging theboard from said table during said predetermined time delay.

11. A board scarfing machine including an elongated board supportingtable, means movably supporting said table for longitudinal movement ofsaid table, a table top forming a part of said table, means tiltablysupporting said table top on a transverse horizontal axis intermediatethe ends of said table, means for tilting said table between horizontalposition and tilted positions, means operable, upon actuation, tooperate said tilting means to tilt said table and hold said table intilted position, cutter means supported above the path of movement ofsaid table in tilted position, clamping means engageable with the boardfor clamping the same upon said table top, and means controlling saidtalble tilting means for actuating said means operable upon actuation tooperate said tilting means for actuating the same when said clampingmeans is in clamping position.

12. The structure of claim 11 and including means controlling saidclamping means upon movement of said table into said terminal positionto release said clamping means.

13. The structure of claim 11 and including means 18 controlling saidclamping means upon movement of said table into said terminal positionto release said clamping means, board discharging means for moving theboard from said table, and means controlling said board dischargingmeans operated by movement of said table into horizontal position foractuating said board discharging tion, cutter means in the partnermovement of a board on said tilted table top, board clamping meansengageable with a board on said table top to hold the board thereupon,means controlling said tilting means and operable by movement of saidclamping means into clamping position to tilt said table, and meansconnected to said table to reciprocate the same while tilted beneathsaid cutter means between a starting position to a terminal position.

15. The structure of claim 14 and including retractable stop meansengageable with the end of a board on said table, means connected tosaid stop means for retracting and projecting the same, and meanscontrolling the opera tion of said stop means actuated by movement ofsaid table into tilted position to retract said stop.

16. The structure of claim 14 and including means controlling saidreciprocating means operated by movement of said table into tiltedposition to move said tilted table beneath said cutter means.

17. The structure of claim 14 and including retractable stop meansengageable with the end of a board on said table, means connected tosaid stop means for retracting and projecting the same, and meanscontrolling the operation of said stop means actuated by movement ofsaid table into tilted position to retract said stop, and meanscontrolling said reciprocating means operated by movement of said stopmeans into retracted position to move said tilted table beneath saidcutter means.

18. The structure of claim 14 and including means controlling saidreciprocating means operated by movement of said table into tiltedposition to move said tilted table beneath said cutter means, and meanscontrolling the operation of said tilting means operated by movement ofsaid table reciprocating into said terminal position to untilt saidtable top.

19. The structure of claim 14 including means controlling saidreciprocating means operated by movement of said table into tiltedposition to move said table beneath said cutter means, and meanscontrolling said clamping means operable by movement of said table intountilted position to release said clamping means.

20. The structure of claim 14 and including retractable stop meansengageable with the end of a board on said table, means conneected tosaid stop means for retracting and projecting the same, and meanscontrolling the operation of said stop means actuated by movement ofsaid table into tilted position to retract said stops, means controllingsaid reciprocating means operable by move ment of said stops intoretracted position to reciprocate said table to terminal position andback to starting positron, and means controlling said stop meansoperable by return of said table to starting position to project saidstop means.

21. A scarfing apparatus including an elongated board supporting table,a tiltable top on said table, the top being tiltable on a horizontalaxis transversely of the longitudinal table axis, cutter means, meanssupporting said cutter means above the level of said table in tiltedposition, means supporting said cutter and table for relative movementlongitudinally of the table between two extreme positions, table tiltingmeans to tilt said table between horizontal position and tiltedposition, table reciprocating means connected to'said table for reciproReferences Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1097,476 Brown Dec. 7, 1869 121,264 Wamer Nov. 28, 1871 312,444 DisstonFeb. 17, 1885 347,125 Perry Aug. 10, 1886 415,435 Baker Nov. 19, 1889 1520 Tromanhauser Dec. 15, 1891 Kilian, Aug. 18, 1896 Mayhew Apr. 11, 1905Krutslch Apr. 20, 1909 Solem Nov. 4, 1913 Neal Oct. 5, 1926 Pennock Nov.7, 1933 Kampmeier May 30, 1939 Stuart May 8, 1945 Norton May 7, 1946Pearson Aug. 15, 1950 Smyth Apr. 17, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Great BritainAug. 14, 194

